The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Use EFCC to recover N17.5b bond proceed, lawmakers tell Okpebholo

    Use EFCC to recover N17.5b bond proceed, lawmakers tell Okpebholo

    Lawmakers in Edo State House of Assembly have given nod to Governor Monday Okpebholo to work with relevant anti-graft agencies to recover N17.5billion from two Escrow agents, Meristen Trustees Ltd and Emerging Africa Trustees Ltd.

    The N17.5billion was the balance of the N25billion former Governor Godwin Obaseki raised from the capital market to invest in Radisson Blu Hotel.

    Besides the funds, the lawmakers also asked Governor Okpebholo to recover the complete statement of account.

    Both agents were present at the investigative panel set up by the assembly to look into ownership and funding of Radisson Blu Hotel.

    They were appointed by former Governor Godwin Obaseki to oversee transfer of Radisson Blu Hotel to Hospitality Investment Management Company.

    In the report submitted by the panel, it said the Escrow agreement was not executed by the supposed Escrow agents, thus invalidating the agreement and that the supposed investor failed to meet up with the payment schedule in the ‘defective Escrow agreement.’

    It said no kobo from the N10billion paid by the investors entered the state government coffers.

    Besides recovery of the N17.5billion, the assembly asked Governor Okpebholo to retake full and total control of the hotel.

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    It said the state government did not receive a kobo for the hotel and title to the hotel was never transferred from the state government to either Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) or the Hospitality Investment and Management Company (HIMC).

    “That Edo State Government should contract competent hands to complete the renovation of the hotel and take steps to put the hotel to use for the benefit of the good people of Edo State in particular and the world in general.

    “That Edo State Government should immediate revoke the fraudulent Certificate of Occupancy to the property issued in the name of Hospitality Investment and Management Company Limited and revert same to Edo State Government that purchased the property.

    “That Edo State Government should initiate legal action and work with relevant anti-graft agencies to retrieve the complete statement of account and the balance of the Seventeen Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira (N17,500,000,000.00) Bond proceeds still in the possession of Escrow agents, Meristen Trustees Limited and Emerging Africa Trustees Limited.”

  • ‘We’ll work together to solve herder-farmer conflicts’

    ‘We’ll work together to solve herder-farmer conflicts’

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has reiterated his administration’s determination to work with farmers and herders to achieve peaceful coexistence.

    He expressed his readiness to work with stakeholders in finding solution that would bring peace, prosperity and harmonious relationships among residents.

    The governor said Oyo State belonged to every resident because it was part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and his administration had demonstrated this by providing support to farmers through policies, including tractorisation subsidy, distribution of farm inputs, while it had equally supported pastoralists with efforts to vaccinate cattle.

    He said this when he declared open a one-day stakeholders’ summit organised by Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) with the theme: “Navigating the Oyo State Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Law: Ensuring Adherence and Advancing Sustainable Livestock Management”,  held in Bodija, Ibadan.

    Makinde said Oyo State belonged to everyone irrespective of ethnicity or belief, adding that issues surrounding open rearing and farmers-herders clashes must, thus, be resolved collectively through dialogue, law and collective efforts.

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    He said the state’s anti-open grazing and rearing law was enacted not to witch-hunt any group or block legitimate businesses, but to restore order, protect the people and prevent conflicts and avoidable crises resulting in the killing of people and destruction of properties.

    The governor, who lauded traditional rulers, farmers and Fulani resident in the state for their efforts, said they should continue to maintain peace.

    The Chairperson, Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, Justice Aderonke Aderemi (retd), said the summit was convened to engage stakeholders on the way out of the incessant and disturbing developments of herders and farmers’ clashes in the state, which she described as a threat to lives, food security and social harmony.

    She added that unlawful acts, which led to destruction and encroachment of farms, maiming and killing of farmers, and other criminal activities associated with some criminals masquerading as herders, must be curtailed.

    The event was attended by Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, former House of Assembly Speaker Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Head of Service Mrs Olubunmi Oni, Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal, traditional rulers,  religious leaders, among others.

  • Chieftain urges Tinubu to intervene in Ekiti APC crisis

    Chieftain urges Tinubu to intervene in Ekiti APC crisis

    A chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC)in Ekiti State, Chief Ayodeji Babatola, has appealed to  President Bola  Tinubu to urgently intervene in the affairs of the party in the state, warning that the APC is heading towards collapse.

    Babatola raised the alarm on Sunday in in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital during an end-of-the-year gathering for  APC stakeholders and grassroots members.

    He said lloyal party members across the 16 local government were being sidelined in governance and appointment, a situation he said has eroded confidence among many APC stakeholders and grassroots supporters.

    Babatola claimed that many aggrieved members have vowed not to participate in forthcoming elections, a development he warned could significantly weaken the party’s structure and reduce votes for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

    The APC stalwart described the future of the party in Ekiti chapter as “bleak and unsustainable,” alleging that aspirants unjustly disqualified by what he termed “unscrupulous elements” acting in their own selfish interests.

    He cited the case of Kayode Ojo, a former governorship aspirant, who was disqualified by the party’s National Working Committee (NEC) on the grounds that his nominators were not registered members of the APC.

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    Recounting his personal experience, Babatola recalled his ordeal during the 2018 National Assembly primaries in Ekiti State where aspirants were assured of a free and open contest, only for them to later be informed that preferred candidates had already been selected.

    He added that  monies paid for nomination forms were not refunded, a pledge he said has remained unfulfilled till date.

    He warned that similar trend of exclusion and disqualification have continued in the party, thereby deepening disaffection among APC members in Ekiti state and spreading to neighbouring Osun State.

    Babatola said the party must return to its founding principles of justice, fairness, and internal democracy, warning that if a few individuals continue to run the APC as a personal inheritance, its collapse in Ekiti would become inevitable.

  • APC leaders vow to secure senatorial ticket for Abiodun

    APC leaders vow to secure senatorial ticket for Abiodun

    The tussle between former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun, over All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 senatorial ticket for Ogun East, has taken a new dimension, as leaders and stakeholders in Ijebu East Local Government have pledged to support Abiodun instead of Daniel.

    Daniel is the lawmaker representing Ogun East Senatorial District in the 10th Senate.

    Abiodun’s quest for 2027 senatorial ticket of the party has put him and Daniel on a war path, with the latter alleging it was the cause of persecutions he had been facing since 2024.

    The Ijebu East APC leaders have equally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general election.

    The endorsement was led by a community leader, Chief Segun Aloran, alongside the Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, popularly called Hacco.

    The decision was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ijebu East Local Government, which brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, party members and community representatives to assess the performance of both leaders and discuss future political direction.

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    During the meeting, Chief Aloran moved a motion for the endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term and Governor Abiodun for Ogun East Senatorial District seat. The motion was seconded by the Ward Chairman, Mrs. Abimbola Balogun.

    Speaking on behalf of the leadership, Aloran said the endorsement of Tinubu was based on his bold economic reforms and commitment to reposition Nigeria.

    He noted that within the last two years, the President had demonstrated strong leadership through major economic reforms, infrastructure development, renewed focus on national security and policies aimed at boosting local production and attracting foreign investment.

    According to him, despite initial challenges, Tinubu’s policies are gradually laying a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth, job creation and national stability.

    On Governor Abiodun, the Ijebu East leaders described his six years in office as impactful and people-oriented. They commended him for massive investments in road infrastructure, education, health care, security and industrial development across Ogun State.

    They said the Abiodun administration had improved key road networks, upgraded public schools and hospitals, strengthened the state’s security architecture and positioned Ogun State as one of Nigeria’s leading industrial hubs, attracting local and foreign investors.

    Dr. Kehinde said Governor Abiodun’s inclusive leadership style and consistent development of Ogun East made him the right candidate to represent the district in the National Assembly.

    “The governor has delivered dividends of democracy across the state without bias. His experience, leadership capacity and deep understanding of Ogun State make him well prepared to represent Ogun East effectively in the Senate,” he said.

    The leaders assured President Tinubu and Governor Abiodun of massive grassroots support from Ijebu East, pledging to mobilise voters to ensure their victory in the 2027 general election.

  • Ekiti APC Elders’ Forum felicitates Governor Oyebanji at 58

    Ekiti APC Elders’ Forum felicitates Governor Oyebanji at 58

    Ekiti State All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Forum, under the chairmanship of Gabriel Oni and Secretary, Odetola Babatunde, has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji on the occasion of his 58th birthday.

    It described him as a selfless, humble and visionary leader, whose administration has transformed the state.

    The forum hailed Governor Oyebanji for his welfarist and inclusive programmes, which had catered for the young and the elderly across the state, noting that his administration had demonstrated compassion, equity and people-focused governance.

    The elders said the governor’s sterling qualities, including humility, continuity of vision and deep respect for democratic values had further strengthened peace, unity and confidence in governance across the state.

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    The forum expressed confidence in Governor Oyebanji’s leadership and offered prayers for divine guidance and success in his bid for a second term, affirming that Ekiti State would continue to witness greater progress, stability and prosperity under his stewardship.

    It prayed for his continued good health, long life, wisdom and renewed strength as he steered the affairs of Ekiti State. The elders wished the governor and his family a Merry Christmas and a remarkable and fulfilling New Year.

  • Kwara to begin implementation of 27.5% teachers allowance next month

    Kwara to begin implementation of 27.5% teachers allowance next month

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved 27.5 per cent Teachers Specific Allowance (TSA) for teachers.

    He says the allowance becomes effective from next month.

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    The 27.5 per cent allowance applies to TRCN-certificated teachers across Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), under CONKWESS I, while 21 per cent applies to those without TRCN.

    The governor acknowledged the indispensable role and commitment of teachers to the education sector, praising them for their efforts in nation building.

  • Community seeks Oyebanji’s help on roads, health facilities

    Community seeks Oyebanji’s help on roads, health facilities

    The Arinjale of Ise-Ekiti, Oba Adetunji Ajayi, has appealed to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji to intervene in the rehabilitation of roads and renewal of infrastructures in the community.

    He said the deplorable condition of internal and access roads had continued to hinder adversely, economic activities and ease of movement in the town.

    The traditional ruler made the appeal yesterday in Ise-Ekiti, headquarters of Ise/Orun Local Government, at a news conference to herald the 2025 edition of annual Ojoaduse Festival.

    Oba Ajayi called for the upgrading of public infrastructure in the community, including health facilities, schools, water supply, electricity and drainage systems, saying modern infrastructure was key to improving the quality of life of residents and curbing rural-urban migration.

    He hailed indigenes of Ise-Ekiti in the diaspora for their support of community projects and Ojoaduse Festival, urging them to sustain their contributions.

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    The monarch said the annual festival remained a unifying cultural institution that had helped to preserve the heritage and identity of the people of Ise-Ekiti, while also driving community development.

    He noted that activities associated with the festival had led to improvements at the palace, development of a civic centre and increased visibility for the town, adding that it attracted partnerships as well as investments.

    Oba Ajayi said the gains recorded so far demonstrated that culture and development could work together to promote social cohesion and economic growth when properly coordinated by community leaders in collaboration with the government.

    He appealed to youths, professional bodies, religious groups and market associations to take collective ownership of the festival, to ensure its sustainability and relevance for future generations.

  • Randle warns of fractured future

    Randle warns of fractured future

    Former president of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and ex-chairman of KPMG Nigeria and the African Region, Bashorun J. K. Randle, has emphasised on legacy, nationhood, corruption and hope, warning that Nigeria risks a fractured future if it continues to depart from its founding ideals.

    He spoke at a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, in memory of his late father, Chief Joseph Koshoniola Randle, the Lisa of Lagos, who died on December 17, 1956.

    In his address titled: ‘No More Grief’, Randle urged Nigerians to move beyond mourning and instead celebrate enduring values of integrity, generosity and selfless service.

    Recalling the atmosphere following his father’s death 68 years ago, he said Lagos was plunged into deep and palpable grief.

    “Even now, it feels like it was only yesterday,” he said.

    He said the time had come to grieve no more, but to give thanks to God for what he described as an enduring legacy of goodwill, an unblemished family name and an untarnished reputation.

    He said his father touched countless lives, many of whom, he noted, remained loyal long after any obligation had ceased.

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    He paid tribute to the foresight and sense of duty of the generation that produced leaders like Chief J. K. Randle, describing them as men who were deeply committed to building a country future generations could be proud of.

    Randle lamented that Nigeria’s current challenges stemmed from a departure from those ideals by succeeding generations.

    He noted that a different path was chosen, leading to widening inequality, elite capture and the erosion of shared national values.

    Earlier in his sermon, the officiating minister, Reverend Iyiola Sopeju, advised Nigerians to live lives worthy of emulation and prioritise positive impact on others, especially the less privileged.

  • Defence Headquarters launches ‘Operation Ember Guard’ in Southwest

    Defence Headquarters launches ‘Operation Ember Guard’ in Southwest

    The Defence Headquarters yesterday launched ‘Operation Ember Guard’ to curb criminal activities and enhance safety across Southwest during the festive period.

    Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force Southwest Operation, Rear Adm. Abubakar Mustapha, launched the operation at the AWATSE Headquarters in Apapa, Lagos State.

    He said the operation would run from December 23, 2025, to January 15, 2026.

    “The operation is designed to repel criminal activities within the Southwest, particularly during the festive and post-festive period,” he said.

    He said it formed part of proactive Armed Forces measures to enhance internal security and protect critical national assets during the Yuletide.

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    According to him, increased population movement during festivities often leads to heightened criminal activities, requiring a robust security posture.

    Mustapha said the operation would involve coordinated efforts of the Army, Navy, Air Force and other security agencies within the joint task force framework.

    He assured the public of Armed Forces’ commitment to professionalism and strict adherence to rules of engagement.

    “I urge residents of the Southwest to cooperate by providing timely and credible information to aid the success of the operation,” he said.

    Mustapha said Operation Ember Guard underscored the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to sustaining peace, stability and security nationwide during periods of increased socio-economic activities.

  • Ondo APC chief predicts victory for Tinubu

    Ondo APC chief predicts victory for Tinubu

    Over 1,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo East Local Government.

    The defectors, led by Charles Adeduro, a former council chairman under the late Governor Olusegun Agagu, formally joined the APC during a reception.

    Welcoming the new members, Ondo State APC Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, expressed delight at Adeduro’s calibre and followership, describing him as a committed and principled leader, who will add significant value to the party.

    Adetimehin highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s achievements, including major road infrastructure projects, economic stabilisation efforts and other developmental initiatives.

    Adeduro affirmed his commitment to the APC.

    He said: ‘‘I have come to add value to the party and work tirelessly to ensure President Tinubu wins convincingly in my local government, aiming for a 100 per cent margin.’’

    He paid tribute to Otunba Agboola Kelly for his recent defection to the APC.

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    Otunba Agboola Kelly, a prominent party leader in Ondo State, declared that Adeduro’s arrival signals the end of meaningful opposition in the Ondo East and West Federal Constituency.

    “The former LG boss has served in various political positions and is a highly respected voice in the area,” Kelly noted.

    He  hailed the Minister of Interior,  Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his consistent support to the party, calling him a “jolly good fellow” who always responds promptly to requests for assistance and a worthy son of whom the party is proud.

    The event underscores the APC’s increasing dominance in Ondo State ahead of future elections